Draco Malfoy sighed as he stared out of the window again. Summer was evaporating away and flecks of autumn had already appeared. Sheets of fire covered the ground, licking its flames all over the trees. Draco was alone in his compartment, waiting patiently for the train to arrive at Hogwarts. The war had ended a few months ago and Voldemort was succesfully defeated. He was glad really, finally he doesn't need to worry if he and his family were going to be killed or not. But the war left scars on him, some deeper than the other. And there was a really important secret he need to discuss with the Headmistress.

Draco and his mother were not imprisoned thanks to one and only Harry Potter. Potter had testimoned for him and his mother- with reasons that was beyond him- and they were let go since his mother had helped Potter and Draco also tried to help him back when the Golden Trio were captured. His father meanwhile had been sent for a Dementor's Kiss. There was nothing they could do to help him, he had obviously been helping Voldemort for a long time and he had escaped Azkaban twice. Draco remembered clearly the day his mother broke down after receiving an owl saying that his father had been given the Dementor's Kiss. She was heartbroken, sobbing the whole day, refusing to eat or do anything else. He was saddened too of course, the throught of his father looking at him lifelessly, not acknowledging him at all sent shivers down his back. Tears ran down his face too and though he wept silently. That day the Malfoy Manor was in mourning.

A creaking noise jolted Draco out of his thoughts and he glanced at the door. His hand was inside his robes, clutching his wand and he sighed in relief when he saw that it was only the trolley lady.

"Anything from the trolley dear?" She asked sweetly.

"Uhm 1 chocolate frog and 1 cauldorn cake... please" Draco fished out his money bag and grabbed a few sickles and paid the lady.

"Thank you, have a good year at Hogwart dear"

As he listened to the wheels of the trolley moving away, he pondered at what the trolley lady said. Really, he could not even hope that it will be a good year. Everyone will hate him and many Slytherins were not coming back because they were afraid.

Sighing, Draco slowly opened his Chocolate frog and ate it. While he ate, he stared at the card wondering whom he will get. To his surprise the face of Hermione Granger came up and he nearly dropped it in surprise. He glanced at her picture, eyes wide and took in her appearance. She had soft brown hair flowing down her back like chocolate waterfall. Her soft brown eyes shone and her lips were curled into a smile. The picture waved at him and disappeared a moment later making him sigh again. He wondered what would happen now when he meet the Golden Trio. Surely there was no need to bully them any longer but he had no intention of becoming their friend either.

Draco yawned a little after he finished his food. He haven't been getting much sleep lately and he was exhausted. So he leaned back on his seat-which was as hard as brick- and slowly fell asleep.

Draco walked out of the train quietly, waiting first for most students to exit. He walked slowly towards the carriage that would carry them to the castle. His face was held high and he stared forward though he didn't necessarily see forward. Even when everyone hates him, he has his pride and he would at least try to uphold it. As he arrived at an empty carriage Draco got on. A few students were behind him but they all steered away and chose another carriage. Draco sighed at this and waited for the carriage to leave, before someone had got on his carriage.

"Draco" The person greeted and he sat across him. Bewildered, it took Draco a few second to reply.

"Blaise"

The tall, black skinned man nodded and leaned back on his seat. Blaise Zabini had been his friend but they were not close before.

"How's your mother Draco?" He asked as the carriage started moving.

"She's...trying" Draco answered solemnly.

"My mother is worried" Blaise sighed, looking straight forward. "She's worried about you and your mother"

"Thank you but we will be fine" Draco answered, frowning a little. He didn't want anyone's pity.

Sighing again, Blaise nodded. "I hope so" and they both fell silence.

Not long after they had arrived at the castle. The two walked side by side towards the Great Hall, purposely trying to fall behind. It seems that the only thing they both wanted to do at that moment was hide behind a rock.

The Great Hall was as glamorous as he could remember it. The ceiling was charmed like the weather outside, autumn leaves descending down softly. Blaise and Draco made their way to the Slytherin table which was - not to their surprise- almost empty. About 20 othe students were scattered along the huge table, chatting silently. The two of them sat across each other and they could feel the stares shooting daggers at them.

It went like that the whole time as they watched the new students getting sorted, gaining the Slytherin house about 10 new students. Professor Mcgonagall greeted the students warmly and spoke about house unity, about the war and the fallen warriors. She spoke of the late Professor Dumbledore and finally, she bid them good night. As students exited the Hall like groups of bees, Draco remembered that he needed to see the Headmistress. He bid Blaise good night and he walked quickly towards the Headmistress' office.

As he arrived in front of the gargoyle, he saw Professor Filtwick about to enter as well.

"Ahh..Mister Malfoy" Professor Filtwick greeted him.

"Professor"

"Are you about to see the Headmistress?"

"Yes Professor. I have...something important to talk to her about"

"Oh is that so? Well then, I suppose I could come back later. Oh, do you know the password?"

"No Sir" Draco shook his head.

"Well then how did you expect to enter?" Professor Filtwick chuckled. "Unity. Now then, good night Mister Malfoy"

"Good night Professor" Draco greeted back as he disappeared behind the gargoyle. He walked up the stairs and hesitated infront of the door. Taking a deep breath, he knocked.

"I'm sorry to interupt Headmistress" Draco walked in the office and closed the door behind him. The Headmistress looked up from whatever she was reading and smiled a little.

"Ahh Mister Malfoy, what can I do for you?"

"Uhmm it's about...the curse" Draco's eyes travelled through the office and through the paintings, making him wince a little as he saw a painting of Professor Dumbledor and Professor Snape.

"Yes, your mother had informed me about it" Her statement brought his attention back to her.

"She did?"

"Yes indeed she did. Am I correct to believe that at night you would turn into...a dragon?"

"Yes Professor"

Professor Mcgonagall had stood up from her chair and she paced the room slowly.

"Then..what shall we do? Hmm..we need a place big enough for you to transform"

"May I suggest the Room of Requirement Minerva?" The painting of Professor Dumbledore spoke up, startling Draco. "I know that Draco is familiar with the room and it can be big enough when he wish it to be" Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled behind his half moon glasses and he smiled softly at Draco.

"Ah that is a good idea" Professor Mcgonagall agreed. "Well then, what time will your transformation take place?"

"At midnight Professor"

"Very well then. I will inform all the staff that you are allowed to roam the castle with my permission. However, that did not give you permission to cause any trouble or go to any places except the Room of Requirement. Understand?"

"Yes Professor" Draco nodded.

"One more thing Mister Malfoy. As you will need to go without letting any students spot you, I have made you Head Boy"

Draco looked up at her in surprise. "Head Boy?"

"Yes. I am well aware of your past behaviours but I am willing to give you a chance to help with your curse. As Head Boy you have your own room and you only need to share your common room with the Head Girl"

Well, that would be easier for him to get out rather than trying to sneak away from the Slytherin dormitory.

"Who is the Head Girl Professor?" Surely it had to be someone intelligent, trustworthy and responsible...

"The Head Girl is Hermione Granger"

Draco's grey eyes widened in surprise and flecks of fear travelled through his body. Granger? But Granger would kill him! Or at least her two bestfriends will.

"Now I know that your past with Miss Granger is rather...unpleasant. However, I will expect you to be civil with her and if I find out that you do anything wrong..I will take away your privilage"

"Yes, but..what about Granger?"

"What about her? I have spoken to her and she agreed to be civil with you as long as you are also willing to do the same" She frowned a little. She hoped that this truly is a good idea.

"Good night Mister Malfoy" She unspokenly told him to leave.

"Good..night Headmistress"

Draco walked back out, his black cloack billowing slightly behind him. As the door closed again, Professor Mcgonagall sighed.

"Oh I hope everything will be alright"

So...what do you think? I have randomly decided to start a new story. Don't worry, I will continue working on Shadow of the Moon. This story as you have read take place after the war. Draco and the others were invited back to Hogwarts to finish their education as they didn't finish their 7th year due to the war.

You will see the Golden Trio in the next chapter, and probably others like Ginny and Luna also. Oh, and as you know Professor Mcgonagall is the new Headmistress and the old teachers are still there too. Actually, I have been thinking of who should be the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. If you have any idea or suggestions please tell me!

Oh and by the way, the title of the story means "The flower of the Dragon" or something therabouts. And the chapter title means "Secrets". I don't know yet if all the chapters will be in latin, but at least this one will be. Oh, and I don't actually speak latin or anything so I'm sorry and please tell me if they are wrong...

Anyway, do tell me what you think- and if you have any questions- through reviews!

Thanks for reading ^_^